BellaSugar's December 2008 Must Haves

Bella's December Must Haves

It's a regular Winter wonderland these days. Well, maybe not in the traditional sense here in San Francisco, but the decorations, displays, and people-in-a-better-mood attitude has me getting in the spirit. For this final month of the year, I've got some festive beauty products that are sparkly, but not over-the-top. Ring-a-ding.

Party Palette

What’s Your Reaction?Share this reaction with your friends!000000

If you've got some holiday parties to attend and you want to look smokin', Bare Escentuals Barecrystals Collection ($54) is the way to go. Infused with quartz crystal powder, this kit comes with colors that are holiday-festive, but easily wearable into 2009 and beyond.

Holiday Candle

What’s Your Reaction?Share this reaction with your friends!000000

With two cats in a small apartment, candles are a necessity for me. Right now, I'm burning anything and everything with a holiday aroma. Voluspa Ginger/Vanilla/Clove Holiday Candle ($20-$30). With notes of Tahitian vanilla bean, Madagascar cloves, Sunti red ginger, Indian cassia, and cinnamon bark, the aroma is spicy, exotic, and oh-so-wintery. I love it.

Winter Skincare

What’s Your Reaction?Share this reaction with your friends!000000

Dry Winter skin is a bummer. But, Philosophy Winter Skincare Rescue Pack ($40) will perk you right up. Complete with a jar of When Hope is Not Enough Creme and Purity Cleanser, the kit also includes Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub and Kiss Me Red Very Lip Balm — you know, for those mistletoe moments.

Winter Fragrance

What’s Your Reaction?Share this reaction with your friends!000000

At this time of year, fruity and floral fragrance can feel a bit out of season. L’eau d’Hiver — that’s "winter water" en français — is a fascinatingly unusual scent. Master perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena created this out-of-the-ordinary perfume for Parfums Frederic Malle. In doing so, he's made an abstractly beautiful thing. It's light and crisp like a first snowfall, but it envelops the wearer in warmth. This set of refills ($85) makes travel easy, or just use them as luxe stocking stuffers.

Sparkly Headband

What’s Your Reaction?Share this reaction with your friends!000000

For the holidays, a little sparkle is how I like to roll. This poinsettia-like Beaded Applique Headwrap ($24) from Urban Outfitters is flashy, but it has a subtle elegance. You won't feel cheesy in the least.

Lip Balm For a Cause

What’s Your Reaction?Share this reaction with your friends!000000

Relieve your cracked, chapped lips and donate to a good cause. In honor of World AIDS Day, Kiehl's is selling World AIDS Day Limited Edition Lip Balm ($8.50). Proceeds will go to YouthAIDS, an organization working towards AIDS research and awareness.

A Bedazzled Lip

What’s Your Reaction?Share this reaction with your friends!000000

A snakeskin-like compact with a faux jewel on top, MAC's Passionately Red/Viva Glam ($22.50) compact comes in a warm or cool palette. Better yet, all proceeds go to an organization supporting people in the world living with HIV/AIDS.

A Great Read

What’s Your Reaction?Share this reaction with your friends!000000

If you read my review, then you'll know that I was impressed with this book. I guess you can say that it made me become a regular connoisseur of "the juice." So, treat yourself, a family member, or friend to Perfumes The Guide ($18.45). Your olfactory senses (and theirs) will thank you.

Holiday-Inspired Bath Gels

What’s Your Reaction?Share this reaction with your friends!000000

I always liked the taste of red velvet cake, the smell of cinnamon buns, and the richness of hot cocoa, but I never thought I'd want to smell like any of them. Perfect as a unique gift for the young and young at heart, Philosophy's Holiday Cookbook Mini Shower Gel Set ($35) is guilt-free fun.